It’s 2021 and the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are making their way into more households around the world. As we usher in the first native 4K console generation, you may be looking at your old TV set and thinking it may be time you’re due an upgrade. This is especially true if you’re looking to get the very best out of your shiny new console or gaming PC. Here, we’ll be running you through the best 4K gaming TVs you can buy in 2021.
We’ve not just picked out the most expensive sets you can get your hands on, though. Instead, we’ve picked a few of the very best on the market right now, and two excellent, budget options that’ll give you the main features you’ll want, without paying for more minor features and improvements you may not notice.
1. LG CX Series OLED TV
- Refresh Rate: 120hz
- HDMI 2.1: Yes x4
- Sizes: 48″ 55″ 65″ 77″
- Resolution: 4K
- Price: From $1,499 to $3,499
LG has been one of the top dogs in TV manufacturing for quite a while now, and the LG OLED CX series have ensured it doesn’t drop its crown anytime soon.
The 4K resolution, HDR support and Variable Refresh Rate support up to 120fps combine for an ultimate movie and TV experience. Colors are vibrant and punchy, image quality is exceptional, and you’ll get true inky blacks thanks to the OLED panel itself.
But it’s the HDMI 2.1 ports and sub-1ms input lag that make it such a great snag for gamers. HDMI 2.1 ports are required for true 4K/ 120fps gaming, and allow for super fluid, high-fidelity gameplay at all times. Meanwhile, the sub-1ms input will ensure things always feels incredibly responsive.
It even features FreeSync and G-Sync Support, removing the chance of screen tearing occurring. This also means it’s the perfect partner for your gaming PC.
That being said, all of these luxury features come at an elevated price tag. If you’re looking for a permanent living room upgrade to see you out the next five years, this is absolutely the best 4K gaming TV you can buy in 2021.
2. Samsung Q80T
- Refresh Rate: 120hz (55″, 65″, 75″, 85″), 60hz (49″, 50″)
- HDMI 2.1: Yes, 1
- Sizes: 49″, 50″, 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″
- Resolution: 4K
- Price: From $1,099
The other leading brand in TV panels is Samsung. Rather than focusing on OLED displays, however, Samsung opted to utilize its Quantum LED (QLED) technology for its flagship displays.
Ranging from 49″ right up to 85″, the Samsung Q80T features a full-array backlight (no more edge-lit displays!) and low input lag at 8.7ms.
It does only have one HDMI 2.1 port, however, so if you’ve got both the PS5 and Xbox Series X, you’ll need to alternate which one gets the superior port or just settle on your preferred platform for the best visual experience.
While this does come in fractionally cheaper than the LG CX series, it’s also worth noting that it doesn’t feature Dolby Vision support.
I’m also more of a fan of LG’s OLED displays for color accuracy and vibrancy over Samsung’s QLED panels, but whichever of these first two displays you settle on, you’re getting an incredibly good display that you’ll be proud to show off to your friends and family.
3. Sony X900H
- Refresh Rate: 120hz
- HDMI 2.1: Yes x2
- Sizes: 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″
- Resolution: 4K
- Price: From $999
Sony is the third and final big name in the TV manufacturing realm right now, and it’s no surprise that the Sony X900H is one of the best 4K gaming TVs in 2021 with its impressive spec-list and competitive pricing.
This TV uses an LED panel, as opposed to an OLED or QLED panel which is largely responsible for the price reduction. Elsewhere, it matches Samsung and LG’s displays, with a 4K resolution, 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, a low-latency mode offering just 17.2ms of input lag, and a 120hz refresh rate.
All of this comes together to offer a stellar display, albeit with slightly narrower viewing angles due to the LED panel. If you’re looking to stay under the $1000 mark without compromising too much on the quality and feature set of your display, Sony’s X900H is an easy recommendation.
4. TCL 6-Series
Best 4K Gaming TVs in 2021
- Refresh Rate: 60hz
- HDMI 2.1: No
- Sizes: 55″, 65″, 75″
- Resolution: 4K
- Price: From $649
Coming in at under half the price of the LG CX series is TCL’s 6-Series QLED TVs. The display comes in 55″, 65″ and 75″ variants, with each featuring the same 4K resolution an 60hz refresh rate.
Even at its budget-area price tag, the TCL 6-Series features HDR which is bright and adds more punch to colors, and includes Dolby Vision. Complimenting this is a full-array back panel to ensure things remain nice and bright, though it does lose some detail in darker scenes.
When it comes to the bare minimum for really getting the most out of your PS5 or Series X, though, the TCL 6-Series ticks all the boxes. It’s a large display, with a 4K resolution and HDR support.
Is it the best gaming TV you can get in 2021? No. But is it the best value? Absolutely.
Alas, the TCL 6-Series is only available in the US, so if you live elsewhere, you’ll want to opt for one of the other displays we’ve outlined here.
5. Samsung TU8000
- Refresh Rate: 60hz
- HDMI 2.1: No
- Sizes: 43″, 50″, 55″, 65″, 75″
- Resolution: 4K
- Price: From $350
The Samsung TU8000 may not have all the bells and whistles of the Q80T, but it’s no slouch either. Starting at 43″ all the way up to 75″, the TU8000 is a fantastic, entry-level 4K panel that includes HDR.
You do need to temper your expectations a bit here, however, given we’re looking at a much lower price tag than even the TCL 6-Series.
The TU8000 sports an LCD panel, and there’s no HDMI 2.1 support here, so you won’t be able to get 120hz or Variable Refresh Rates. If you’re looking for these kinds of features, you’ll need to look at the pricier options on our list, as these are considered premium features.
For $350, however, the TU8000 offers a great contrast, and HDR support. Though the low brightness of 300 nits, means you’ll never truly get the best out of its HDR capabilities.
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